Competition Overview
The Challenge is divided into 4 primary categories:
Use a brain-computer interface (BCI) device to control a robotic arm.
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Open to students in Grades K-10.
Focused on hands-on building, mechanical creativity, and testing physical prototypes.
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Open to students in Grades K–6.
Emphasizing conceptual design, digital innovation, and creative problem-solving.
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​Open to students in Grades K–8.
Focused on hands-on, real-time challenges driven by creativity, skills, and teamwork.
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Open to all (families welcome)
Introduction
The Boston Makers & Innovators Challenge 2025, presented by STEM Together, celebrates the creativity, curiosity, and engineering spirit of young learners.
Students are invited to design, build, and innovate across two exciting divisions — Makers and Innovators — blending hands-on craftsmanship with bold, forward-thinking ideas.
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Our mission is simple: to empower problem-solvers and creative thinkers who will shape the future through STEM innovation, design thinking, and collaboration.
Event Purpose
The Challenge inspires students to apply scientific thinking and creative design to real-world problems.
Through hands-on building, teamwork, and open-ended exploration, participants gain practical experience and the confidence to turn ideas into impact.
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This event also strengthens connections among students, educators, and professionals who share a passion for discovery, innovation, and community growth.
Key Dates
December 1, 2025
Registration Opens
January 23, 2026
Registration Closes
​11:59 P.M.
January 23, 2026
Final Submission Deadline
January 31, 2026
Event Date
Each competition category has its own submission requirements. Participants must review and follow the detailed guidelines applicable to their respective category.
Judging
The competition will invite qualified judges, including university professors, industry experts, and entrepreneurs, based on the subject of each category. Trained volunteers will also serve as record judges to support the evaluation process.
All judges must follow the official scoring criteria, maintain fairness, and avoid any conflicts of interest. Judges will score entries independently, and all results will be verified by record judges for accuracy.
Record judges are responsible for helping record and tabulate scores but do not participate in evaluating the content of submissions. Both judges and record judges must keep all evaluation materials and discussions confidential.
The organizing committee reserves the right of final interpretation of all judging rules.
Awards
Makers Challenge & Innovators Challenge
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Each competition will present:
1st Place: Gold Trophy
2nd Place: Silver Medal
3rd Place: Bronze Medal
All participants will also receive an Honorable Mention.
Popular Award: Medal selected based on audience or community voting.
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Shopping with a Robotic Arm​
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1st Place: $200
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2nd Place: $100
3rd–6th Place: $50 each
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Living Challenge
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The Top 6 teams will receive awards based on their final performance rankings.